Protesters on Friday took to the streets of Lagos in a renewed #EndBadGovernance demonstration, using Democracy Day to demand urgent government action on worsening economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment, and the rising cost of living.
The protest drew activists, civil society organisations, and concerned citizens in a largely peaceful procession. Participants carried placards with messages such as “Free All Captives Now,” “End Anti-People Policies Now,” and “For a Living Wage and Mass Creation of Employment.”
The demonstration comes amid recent coordinated mass abductions in Oyo and Borno states within hours of each other, alongside broader public concerns over worsening economic conditions.
Protesters also called on authorities to address inflation, rising transportation costs, and declining purchasing power, which they say continue to deepen hardship across the country.
Prominent human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, was present at the protest, lending support to calls for reforms and improved governance. Falana had earlier joined civil society groups in declaring June 12 a nationwide day of protest, citing insecurity, hunger, and economic difficulties affecting millions of Nigerians.
Security operatives were deployed to monitor the protest, which remained largely peaceful.
However, the scene also witnessed a counter-demonstration by a separate group expressing support for the government’s ongoing economic reforms. The pro-government demonstrators marched with banners reading “Better Days Ahead for Nigeria,” urging citizens to remain patient, saying the policies are aimed at long-term economic recovery and sustainable growth.
